Pubdate: Tue, 26 Dec 2017
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Page: A10

OPP OFFICERS USE NALOXONE, SAVE LIFE OF OVERDOSED MAN

NORFOLK COUNTY - Ontario Provincial Police say officers used naloxone
to save a man's life while transporting him to Hamilton's Barton
Street jail.

Norfolk OPP credit "quick-thinking" officers for helping the
29-year-old man who appeared to have overdosed on opioids Friday afternoon.

They administered three doses of naloxone, which is used to revive
people in medical distress after taking drugs such as fentanyl. The
man regained consciousness and began to respond to officers.
Paramedics transferred him to hospital.

"When someone is overdosing, minutes can make the difference between
life and death," Insp. Lisa Anderson, interim detachment commander,
said in the news release. "The naloxone kits are an additional tool
that OPP officers will be able to use to help keep our communities
safe."

Other police services, including Waterloo, Ottawa, Barrie, Durham and
the RCMP, equip officers with naloxone.

The Hamilton police service does not, but Chief Eric Girt said earlier
this month they would revisit the issue after the province announced
it planned to cover the cost of police naloxone kits.

Girt says studies have determined paramedics are best suited to
provide naloxone during overdoses.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt